Happy Easter! This Sunday is the most significant date in the Christian Calendar; the one when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the new life that he offers us. In his rising we are shown that sin and death have been defeated and that a place in Christ’s eternal kingdom has been made for us.

Yet for such a dramatic event, it is surprising that the account that we have in John’s gospel is so understated. In John’s account, we have no pre-dawn earthquakes or soldiers fainting.  Like all four of the gospels, we also have absolutely no description of the moment Jesus emerged from the tomb. It begins simply: ‘While it was still dark’ that first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb.

Mary comes with no particular expectation. However, she notices that the stone has been moved and realises that something has happened to the body of Jesus. Mary is shocked and she runs back to tell the disciples. Then Peter and the other disciple, probably John, go to the tomb and come to the same conclusion, albeit only after a bit more of a thorough investigation of the alleged crime scene. They believe that someone has taken Jesus body, not yet realising or believing that he had risen from the dead.

What follows is a scene of utter devastation, where Mary Magdalene weeps over this latest indignity piled on the friend that she loved. Then, in the midst of her tears, someone appears, who she presumes is the gardener, asking why she is crying? Why was Mary crying?  For the same reason that so many people weep the world over: Because of death’s irretrievable finality; because the one that she loved was gone and now she does not even have his body to tend to.

In recounting the Easter story it is important for us to remember that Easter did not happen in a bright and happy church sanctuary. It happens in a garden, with Mary Magdalen crying, while it was still dark. Easter happens amidst fear, confusion, shock and sadness. Easter happens in the most difficult place with Mary facing the harsh reality of death. However, it is here, while it is still dark and the morning light is only dimly showing, that God reveals himself in the Risen Christ. Because it is in that time of fear and despair when Easter hope is most needed. In the darkness, the light of God is revealed through his resurrection power. The promise of God is revealed, with fear and despair giving way to joy.

The Risen Christ is revealed to Mary and as she recognises him her tears of sorrow become tears of joy. As she cries out ‘Rabboni’ you can imagine Mary reaching out to hug Jesus. Yet Jesus responds by telling her not to hold on to him. Mary is not to linger in the garden; she has to go and tell the other disciples the good news, because in their grief they needed to hear and know what God has done. In the same way we are told to share the good news of the resurrection, so that a weeping world can find hope and joy in the promise of God revealed in the risen Jesus.

In this season of Easter we might be facing any number of challenges and griefs. This might lead us to think that it is difficult, perhaps even impossible, to celebrate Easter. Yet Christ rose from the dead to show all those who cry and weep that there is hope; hope of death defeated and new life that is eternal. This is why we rejoice and declare a Happy Easter. Knowing nothing, not even death, can overcome God’s love and his promises. So, may the risen Christ bring you hope, peace, and joy this Eastertide as we celebrate the gift of life given in Jesus. Alleluia, Christ is Risen!